“While we have received awards in the past, this one is extra special because our employees did all of the work on our Greensburg, (Ky.) location,” said Don's Lumber manager and buyer Brian Basham. “Everything we do goes back to them, and this award reflects their hard work -- from moving shelves to laying tile during store hours and after hours. I know my dad would be especially proud of this award.”

Founded 14 years ago by the late Don Basham, the company is now run by his widow, Wanda, and her three sons, Brian, Troy and Chad. More than half the store’s 19 employees have worked for the family for more than a decade. Sales at Don’s Lumber stores increased 9 percent last year.

Don's Lumber, with a home office in Vine Grove, Ky., has three retail locations, a stand-alone Rental Stop store, a drywall operation, a truss plant and a reload distribution center. Don’s Elizabethtown, Ky., store earned the Paul L. Cosgrave award in 2001.

Don’s Lumber was also recognized as the 2006 PRO Hardware Retailer of the Year by Wallace Hardware -- one of four PRO Hardware distributors who name a retailer of the year. This announcement was made at Wallace's spring "Proud to be an American" dealer market in Gatlinburg, Tenn., in May.

“Don's Lumber PRO Hardware in Greensburg, Ky., is a living testimony to perpetuating a legacy,” said Richard Snowden, vp of Wallace Hardware. “Don Basham was a very forward-thinking, innovative business man.”

Other PRO Hardware honorees were Weider’s PRO Hardware of Honeoye Falls, N.Y., winner of the 2006 PRO Hardware Retailer of the Year for Bostwick-Braun; Danny's PRO Builder's Supply of Centre, Ala., 2006 PRO Hardware Retailer of the Year for Long-Lewis Hardware; and Barmon PRO Lumber of Sultan, Wash., 2006 PRO Hardware Retailer of the Year for Horizon Distribution.